Can you believe it is August? Organizing for school is a traditional August activity. While the pandemic dominates our traditional activities, how about we still “go for” some organizing for the coming of fall?
For one of my posts this week, I referenced that we are “that phase” of 2020 and the pandemic. How are you holding up? Do you feel like your “ducks are in a row”?
This duck perfectly depicts how many of us are feeling these days 🙂 How about we begin with looking for those ducks we can begin organizing as the fall season approaches?
Workspace Organization
- Home office organizing may not be “typical”. So many are working from their kitchen tables, their garage, from a closet or sharing space with others from home. Keeping it organized and functional takes on new meaning during a pandemic. With this in mind, let’s begin.
- Start with a thorough cleaning of your workspace. Turn off electrical devices; turn them over and give them a shake! Rid those crumbs! Clean the screens with electronic wipes, a dryer sheet or a non abrasive cleaning cloth. If you have an air duster or a small soft brush, clean the keyboard areas.
- Where do you keep your files, project information, bills, receipts and important papers? This is a good time to consider easy ways to access and maintain your information. File folders can be placed in transportable boxes. Three ring notebooks with “sleeves” are a great way to keep paper receipts and bills. A small fireproof lockable safe to store easily in a closet is a great place to store important documents.
- Drawers are often overlooked. Especially “junk drawers”. Time to take care of that! Toss pens, pencils and markers that are not used or usable.
- Check for old devices, cords, cables and if not used, find an electronics recycle place in town and prepare a bag/box to deliver.
- Books take up lots of space. Keep those you want to read or re-read and consider donating the rest. I’m down to two book shelves after donating eight boxes!
- Do you have CD’s, DVD’s and all tapes (cassette and VHS)? Are you actively using them? If the information contained on them is important, transfer it and either recycle or find them a new home.
- Last but not least, time for the closet! If your closet is a storage area, it’s time to explore what’s inside. If it contains coats, boots, gloves, hats and scarves, do you wear what you have? For me, it’s a great place to to store extra files, supplies. Every so often, I clear out what’s not used or needed to create space.
- If a home office is located in a common area, it’s important to consider how to transport your important information to/from the common space, in case you must reconvert the area to the other purpose!
- How is your bandwidth? Try a speed test to make sure what you’re paying for is what you’re getting! Depending on how many devices are using your access, you could face intermittent connection issues. Consider boosters as needed.
- Lighting is important f or you, your eyes and your “online presence”! Too much sunshine? Not enough sunshine? Before an online meeting, make sure to check your lighting and how it looks on your screen.
- Always remember posture! Posture is so important. Too much time on the computer can lead to slouching. Slouching leads to neck and shoulder pain.
Looks like working from home may be with us for a while. This year has taught us how much we think we know, there’s always more to learn! This is a great time to consider what’s in your control to begin now. And that, is where I come in! Let’s get moving to create a road map for life and work; work and life to continue functioning amidst disruptions.
If you or someone you know would benefit from working with me individually, for their employees or companies, contact me via Email or check out the website @ The Living Planner for additional information.
We’re all in this together. Stay well. –Lynn
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